TDI alternatives? Need a good sport/diesel.
 

I'm thinking VW TDI but am open to ideas. Haven't shopped this class before. MPG is key but no Diesel Rabbits. :) It should look respectable, have some small cargo space and a roof (Oregon), and it should be able to get out of its own way.

I will want to run it on biodiesel once I can make the time.

I'll be looking at used. Probably 2-5yrs old, so I can't wait for low-sulfur Diesel.

Any competitive alternatives?

Well, you can go the Mercedes route. They are extremely reliable and you can put virtually infinite miles on them. My roomate owns one and it runs perfectly with over 200,000 miles. I believe his is a 300D from the late '80's, but I don't know the exact year. Inline 5 w/turbo, so the acceleration is adequate but hardly fast.

I was looking here and it appears that your options are pretty limited to Mercs and VWs. The TDI is definitely a solid choice, but I'd at least browse local listings for older Mercedes before making your purchase.

Good call. A 300 TD was my previous plan. I've come to think of them as a bit too eccentric for daily business use. Early 80's was the end of the good engines so they're a project. Don't want to look like someone's crazy uncle ya'know, even if I am. :D

If you want cargo space, look at a Jetta TDI wagon. Great cargo space, and with a 5-speed, they aren't bad to drive, and who can complain about 50mpg or better on the highway!

Do you have one? How's responsiveness? I'm tempted to test drive. Really, I think the Golf and Jetta both look nice. The mileage is amazing.

I've test drove alot of TDI's (I want to buy one but short on $$$ and the older A3 vw's are so spendy around here) They are quick as hell, most 1.9 TDI's will easily beat a 2.0L gas on the drag strip. VW's is going to quit making the TDI's for a few years, (due to low sales, freaking people are idiots) It is rumored that the Nissan, Toyota, Etc, are going to introduce their diesels in a few years. Imagine the possibilities, import reliablitiy with the gas mileage of a diesel.

They sure hold their value. 2002 Jettas are $16K+ private party in my area. Well above book.

I thought I'd found a beautiful gold mercedes 300 TD for sale today but after turning around and catching them it turned out to be a 240. Curses. Most of the 300 are such goofy colors. :(

TDI's rock. I've had one for over 2 years now and wouldn't want annything else. If it's not quick enough for you stock, an injector upgrade and ECU reprogramming can be done for under $1,000, without hurting your MPG's a bit. Lots of good info here http://forums.tdiclub.com/index.php